There are manufacturers who like to introduce machines into their range that can only be described with superlatives. Most of the time, it's the Europeans who let loose like this and this time it's the Italian Ducati who decided to go heavy. With paradoxically a “Superleggera” which, however, will carry all its weight in the world of sports cars. This Panigale V4 R even promises to do better on the scale than a MotoGP Desmosedici…
The news comes to us from across the Channel and more precisely from the MCN site. Family Panigale V4 from home Ducati will receive a new exclusive member next year. The Italian factory is reportedly finalizing the development of a version Superleggera which will be characterized by its very low weight thanks to the use of carbon fiber. An approach which is not new because experienced with the martial Panigale 1299 Superleggera. This model, of which only 500 were produced, had a featherweight of 162 kg with the circuit kit for 220 hp produced by its twin-cylinder Superquadro engine and its exclusive carbon fiber monocoque chassis.
Photos taken on the fly on the news Panigale V4 Superleggera already provide us with several details, such as the use of BST Rapid Tek carbon fiber wheels and the adoption of a fairing and saddle made of this same noble material. We also note the wings that characterize the V4 R.
The single-arm swingarm also appears to be carbon fiber, and the big question is in the chassis. Ducati has already painted the carbon fiber monocoque of the previous one black 1299 Superlight. We cannot therefore say whether the chassis which appears in the photos is made of this material or whether it is still aluminum.
The front axle is the same as that fitted to the standard V4 R, consisting of a competition fork Ohlins NPX 43 mm and multiple adjustments, accompanied by a TTX36 at the rear. The brakes don't change either, keeping the new calipers Brembo Monoblock Stylema M4.30.
If Ducati uses the V4 R as the basis for this Superleggera, it is a superb mechanical 221 ch at 15 rpm, a power that reaches 234 ch by installing an exclusive circuit kit. The weight of the standard V4 R is 172 kilos dry, 165,5 kg with the racing kit. So it will be interesting to see how much Ducati is able to reduce the weight of the V4 R in this Superleggera variant. Can they match the 157 kilos of their MotoGP Desmosedici?
Ducati has scheduled the presentation of its new 2020 range on October 23, when we will know more about this V4 Superleggera. As for its price, there is nothing light at all. The previous twin-cylinder version reached 92 euros and 000 copies were sold within a few days. It would therefore not be surprising to see this exclusive motorcycle above the 100 euro mark…
